#best restaurants in brighton

[rocksaltau]

Top 5 Tapas Restaurants in Brighton: Where to Enjoy Authentic Spanish Bites

Brighton, a charming coastal suburb of Melbourne, is not only known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere but also for its diverse culinary scene. Among the many cuisines that Brighton offers, Spanish tapas has become a popular choice for food lovers seeking a social and flavorful dining experience. In this blog post, we'll explore Brighton's top five tapas food restaurants where you can indulge in authentic Spanish bites that transport you straight to the streets of Barcelona.

1. Rocksalt: A Taste of Spain in the Heart of Brighton

Located just a short stroll from Brighton Beach, Rocksalt is a tapas restaurant that captures the essence of Spain with its vibrant decor and lively ambiance. When you step inside, you're greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Spanish taverna.

The Rocksalt menu is a delightful journey through the flavors of Spain. Start your meal with classic tapas such as Patatas Bravas, crispy fried potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce, and Gambas al Ajillo, succulent prawns cooked in sizzling garlic and chili oil. The Jamon Iberico, a delicate, thinly sliced Spanish ham, is a must-try for charcuterie lovers. Pair these dishes with a glass of Sangria or Spanish wine from their extensive list, and you're in for an unforgettable dining experience.

The restaurant's friendly staff are always eager to recommend dishes and ensure you have a memorable time. Whether you're dining with friends, or family, or even on a romantic date, Rocksalt offers a genuine taste of Spain right in Brighton.

2. El Gordo: A Fusion of Spanish and Modern Flavors

El Gordo, located in the heart of Brighton's dining precinct, offers a unique twist on traditional Spanish tapas by incorporating modern flavors and techniques. This stylish restaurant is perfect for those who appreciate culinary creativity while still craving the authentic essence of Spanish cuisine.

The menu at El Gordo is designed to be shared, making it an ideal spot for groups. Start with Chorizo Croquettes, crispy on the outside and filled with smoky, spicy chorizo, or try the Pulpo a la Gallega, a tender octopus dish served with paprika and olive oil. For something different, don't miss the Duck Rillette with Quince Paste, a dish that beautifully combines rich, savory duck with the sweetness of quince.

El Gordo also offers a selection of larger share plates, such as the Paella Valenciana—a flavorful rice dish brimming with seafood, chicken, and saffron. The restaurant’s chic interior and attentive service make it a great choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.

3. Carmen’s Cocina: Authenticity at Its Finest

Carmen’s Cocina is a hidden gem in Brighton, beloved by locals for its commitment to authenticity and quality. This cozy, family-run restaurant specializes in traditional Spanish tapas that showcase the bold flavors and rich culinary heritage of Spain.

The menu at Carmen’s Cocina is a love letter to Spanish cuisine, with each dish prepared using time-honored recipes and the finest ingredients. Begin with Pimientos de Padrón, blistered green peppers sprinkled with sea salt, or Tortilla Española, a classic Spanish omelet made with potatoes and onions. The Albondigas, or Spanish meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, are a crowd favorite, while the Calamares a la Romana—crispy fried calamari—are perfect for seafood lovers.

One of the highlights of dining at Carmen’s Cocina is the Chef’s Selection—a curated assortment of the restaurant’s most popular tapas, allowing you to experience a variety of flavors in one sitting. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity, makes Carmen’s Cocina a must-visit for any tapas enthusiast.

4. Paco y Lola: A Modern Tapas Experience

For those looking to enjoy tapas in a more contemporary setting, Paco y Lola offers a modern take on traditional Spanish dining. Situated in a stylish, minimalist space, this restaurant combines the vibrant flavors of Spain with a sleek, modern aesthetic.

The menu at Paco y Lola is innovative yet rooted in Spanish tradition. Start with Boquerones, marinated white anchovies served with olive oil and parsley, or the Grilled Sardines with Lemon and Herbs for a taste of the Mediterranean. The Pork Belly with Apple Purée is a delightful blend of savory and sweet, while the Patatas Bravas here come with a twist, served with a smoky paprika aioli.

Paco y Lola is also known for its Spanish-inspired cocktails, like the Gin-Tonic made with botanicals from Spain and the refreshing Tinto de Verano—a chilled red wine cocktail perfect for warm evenings. The combination of contemporary design, innovative menu, and a lively atmosphere makes Paco y Lola a top choice for those seeking a modern tapas experience in Brighton.

5. Tapas & Co.: A Celebration of Spanish Culture

Tapas & Co. is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Spanish culture, where food, music, and conviviality come together to create a truly immersive dining experience. Located in the bustling center of Brighton, this restaurant is a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.

The menu at Tapas & Co. is extensive, offering a wide variety of tapas that cater to every palate. Start with the Jamón Croquettes, creamy and rich with a crispy exterior, or the Gambas Pil Pil, prawns cooked in a spicy garlic sauce that packs a punch. For something heartier, try the Lamb Cutlets with Rosemary and Garlic, a dish that perfectly balances tender meat with fragrant herbs.

What sets Tapas & Co. apart is its lively atmosphere, often featuring live music that enhances the dining experience. The restaurant’s vibrant decor, inspired by traditional Spanish festivals, adds to the festive feel, making it an ideal place for a night out with friends or family.

In addition to its extensive tapas menu, Tapas & Co. also offers a selection of Spanish wines and sherries, expertly chosen to complement the flavors of the dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned tapas lover or new to the cuisine, Tapas & Co. promises an unforgettable evening filled with great food, music, and the spirit of Spain.

Conclusion

Brighton’s tapas scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering something for everyone—from the purist seeking traditional flavors to those looking for a modern twist. Each of the five restaurants highlighted in this blog brings its unique flair to the table, ensuring that whether you're a local or a visitor, you can enjoy a true taste of Spain right in the heart of Brighton. So gather your friends, order a selection of small plates, and indulge in the vibrant flavors of Spanish cuisine at these top tapas restaurants in Brighton, Melbourne.

[tasteofthehimalayas]

Where can you get the best meals of the day and what makes them so amazing?

The client asks that their text be redone in a simple, succinct manner without include any extra information. To celebrate a big event or try something new, would you prefer to dine at a restaurant? It is important that you give the restaurant you choose serious consideration since it will make or ruin the whole experience of your evening. We extensively categorize them, considering both concrete and intangible elements. Numerous elements, like as service quality, personnel attitudes, and customer comfort, may impact customer satisfaction and loyalty. When you choose to dine at an excellent restaurant, you can be certain that every dish you choose will be of the finest quality. That greatest Nepalese Restaurant in Adelaide serves the greatest Nepalese cuisine. Selecting the Best Nepalese Restaurant in Adelaide has to be done carefully. A excellent chef for a dinner service is someone who is knowledgeable about your customers' tastes and collaborates well with the rest of the kitchen crew to meet their needs. When making a choice, it's critical to consider information from both online and offline sources. Selecting a restaurant to dine at has become much easier thanks to smartphone applications and internet reviews. Frequent patrons of well-known restaurants left both positive and negative reviews. Reading reviews from prior patrons may tell you a lot about the type of experience you can expect at a restaurant. Consumer reviews, whether they are found online or off, may significantly influence their purchasing choices. The focus is on the food When dining out, the menu and the cuisine are crucial factors to take into account. If you are really craving Chinese cuisine, it would be wise to search for a Chinese restaurant or a restaurant that serves Chinese food. The ideal restaurant to pick from while dining out with your family is one that has a wide selection of menu items. Choosing restaurants that provide food made with ingredients that you may get nearby or locally is one way to narrow down your restaurant search. When selecting the Fine Dining Restaurant in Brighton, you have the choice to choose the one you like. It is crucial to take proximity into account. Before you go, be sure the restaurant's location satisfies your needs. Traveling long distances for meals that cost a few hundred rupees each is an unnecessary waste of time and money. Seek for a restaurant that is easily accessible or conveniently near by. When making a decision, it's critical to consider the restaurant's surrounds and location. When you're hungry, it's best to dine at a restaurant near a natural feature, such a lake, mountain, or ocean. Spending money on lunch or dinner might be profitable at such establishments.

[oakbarnrestaurant]

[everythinkfacts]

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[lilasamaaa]

The night we met | Lando Norris x Reader

Genre | Fluff.

Word count | 2.6K

Warnings | None for once! Enjoy some peace.....

Summary | When Reader's best friend sets her up on a blind date with one of her long-time friends, she expects anything but the evening she's about to experience.

Author's note | This piece is the result of yesterday's poll! Another poll will be coming soon for y'all to decide what's next :)

"I'm really not sure if it's a good idea, Alice," she sighs, looking over at the bed where her friend is seated, behind her.

"What makes you say that?" Alice replies, arching an eyebrow.

"I have a list of reasons, actually," she states, pulling out her phone.

"You and your damn lists!"

"I know you hate them, but they help me clear my mind," she says, clicking on a note.

"Alright, let's hear your reasons then," Alice laughs. "But I'm warning you, I'm going to dismantle them one by one."

"Okay," she starts. "Reason one is : I don't know him."

"That's kinda... the whole point of blind dates," her friend says, rolling her eyes.

"Well, you agreed to this. I did not. You know how anxious I get when I don't know people," she says, head low.

"Lando is a really nice guy," Alice says, coming close to her friend and stroking her hair. "I just know he'll put you at ease right away."

She takes a few seconds to think, biting the inside of her cheek. It's not the first time she's about to go on a date with someone she's never met before. Even though she doesn't know him, she's not really worried about Lando. She's more concerned about herself, to be honest. She's not a model of eloquence, doesn't consider herself particularly pretty. She's sure her date will do his best. What she's not sure about, is if she'll be able to overcome her own anxiety about the whole situation.

"Reason two, then," she says, focusing back on the note. "I don't know a thing about racing. What are we even going to talk about?"

"Well, something else. I'm sure Lando would be delighted to talk about something other than work for once," Alice replies, winking.

She wasn't lying, she thinks. She really has an answer for everything.

"Shoot me with reason three, baby," Alice says, letting out a laugh.

"Reason three," she replies, eyeing her friend. "Let's say I don't fuck up, which would be a miracle in itself, and we hit it off. How am I supposed to maintain a long-distance relationship? We're not talking about Brighton or Cambridge, we're talking about another continent. Several times a year."

"Well, I'm glad you're thinking so much ahead," Alice replies, earning a frustrated grunt from her friend. "There'll be plenty of people who are in the same situation as you. You can always ask for advice from other WAGS," she concludes, laughing.

"You're insufferable."

"Was there a fourth reason to debunk, or are we done here?" Alice asks.

"There is, actually. That's the last one," she says, staring at her phone. "Every time I've gone on a date like this, without having seen the guy... They were never really... to my taste," she begins. "So I've never kissed them, never went any further. But if I like him, what am I supposed to do?"

"What's the real question?"

"Am I supposed to kiss him on the first date? I don't want him to think I'm easy. Is it better to play hard to get and..."

"Wow, you're overthinking this," Alice says, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I don't have any answer to give you. Just... Go with the flow. And if you're not sure about what to do, let him take the lead. Okay?"

An hour later, she's walking through the streets of Bristol, trying to calm her breathing, her thoughts, her already racing heart. She's checked the address Lando had sent her about ten times before leaving Alice's apartment. On principle, she takes out her phone, checking one last time. Her phone indicates that the restaurant is less than a minute's walk away, at the corner of the street she's on. There's still time to turn back, she thinks, before gathering herself. No. He doesn't deserve that.

In front of the restaurant, she casts a quick glance inside, checking if he's already there, before remembering that she doesn't even know what he looks like. Well, she has a vague idea. She's seen pictures on Alice's Facebook and Instagram over the years, but his precise features escape her. She remembers curly hair, beauty spots. Not much more. She's not sure if she would recognize him in a crowd.

She pushes the door and slips inside the buzzing restaurant, politely greeting the waitress who welcomes her.

"I have a reservation for two," she says. "The name's Norris."

"Ah yes, he's already here, in the second room. I'll take you to him," the waitress replies, flashing a smile.

Her heart stops. He's already here? She deliberately arrived fifteen minutes early to have time to settle down quietly, to gather herself. To wash her hands if they're too sweaty. This was not how it was supposed to go at all, she thinks, feeling the anxiety rise.

The waitress guides her through the tables to the small room at the back of the restaurant. On the way, her brain disconnects, giving way to total panic. I knew it was a bad idea, she tells herself, biting her lip. I'm going to make a fool of myself. The waitress suddenly stops, saying something that her brain doesn't comprehend before walking away and she looks up, meeting his gaze.

Oh, wow, she thinks, eyes widening. That man is too handsome for his own good.

"Hey, it's nice to meet you" he says, extending a bouquet of white tulips to her. "Alice said those were your favorites."

She smiles, taking the bouquet before burying her nose in it. Alice, you little sneak.

"Thank you so much," she replies, feeling her cheeks flush. "They're stunning."

Lando pulls out her chair before sitting back down, not taking his eyes off her. Feeling his gaze on her, she dives intensely into reading the menu. Or rather, she pretends to, because she's not even reading, just trying to avoid the attention the driver is giving her.

"You seem nervous," he states, still looking at her.

Feeling her cheeks turn red, she holds her menu higher in front of her face, hiding a little more. "Hey," he says, putting his finger on the menu to lower it. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry. I'm just really bad at this," she replies, finally looking at him. "Dates, conversations, one-on-ones. It's not about you, I swear."

There we go, she thinks, head low. We've been sitting for ten minutes and I've already messed everything up.

"Would you like to go somewhere else?" he asks, and she looks up, furrowing her brows.

"What?"

"I don't want you to feel uncomfortable, that wasn't the intention," he says. "A romantic dinner may be a bit much for a first date. So, if you want to go somewhere else, do something else, it's not a problem."

"But... We're already sitting," she says, confused.

"It's no big deal," he replies, shrugging. "The restaurant is packed, they won't go bankrupt because we leave. We can just tell them we don't like anything on the menu."

She lets out a laugh, covering her mouth, astonished by the driver's suggestion.

"If you could go anywhere, a place where you feel comfortable and safe, where would you go?" he asks, his big eyes detailing her.

She thinks for a moment, looking upwards, biting her lip again.

"If we really had no limits... I'd go to the sea," she replies, thoughtful.

"Let's go then," Lando says, rising up and taking his jacket.

"What? Lando, we can't do that," she says, still sitting. "The good beaches are like, an hour drive away."

But Lando has already circled the table, jacket in hand, extending his hand to her.

"My car's parked outside," he replies.

She doesn't understand what's happening, so for once, she sets aside her brain and listens to her heart, grasping his hand and allowing him to guide her towards the restaurant's exit, the driver only stopping to explain briefly to the very understanding waitress that an emergency has come up and they have to leave, carefully slipping several bills in her hand as a tip - and as compensation.

Outside, Lando leads her to his car, their hands still intertwined, her heels clicking on the cobblestones. He opens the door for her and she slips inside, her heart racing.

"I've never done anything like this in my entire life," she says, staring straight ahead.

"You should never force yourself to do something you don't want to do, though," he replies, looking through the rear window to reverse, leaning indirectly towards her. His scent reaches her nose and she can't help but look at him closely, detailing every detail of his profile. His clear eyes. His beauty spots that remind her of constellations. The curly lock of hair that crosses his forehead.

"Does Ogmore work for you?" he asks, snapping her out of her reverie.

"Ogmore's perfect," she replies, eyes glistening.

They set off, and as the English countryside landscape passes by through the window, she notices that for the first time since she left Alice's apartment, she isn't feeling anxious. Her heart still beats just as fast, sure, but she suspects it's not really because of stress anymore. Lando rummages between their seats and eventually pulls out a cable, which he hands to her.

"I don't mind driving, but you're the DJ," he says, laughing. "Put on some music. Let me know who you are."

She grabs the cable before connecting it to her phone, scrolling through her Spotify playlist. So you want to know who I am, huh? she thinks, blushing again, before clicking on her favorite song.

The first notes of "I'm Outta Time" by Oasis resonate in the car, and Lando shoots her a surprised look.

"I actually love that song," he says, smirking. "What does it tell about you?"

"Well," she starts. "As you must be starting to suspect, I strongly identify with the idea that the sea is the only place that manages to calm me down, where I truly feel free."

"I'm with you on that one," he replies.

"And then... It's quite personal, but to me, the song's about someone who's lonely. Someone seeking comfort, a pillar, someone who can support them through everything. But also someone they'd be willing to let go out of love."

Lando turns his head towards her, and she gets lost in the softness and understanding reflected in his eyes. The song comes to an end, and she clicks on "On Melancholy Hill" by Gorillaz.

"I promise I'm not depressed," she says, meeting his gaze, while he lets out a laugh.

"This one's talking about the sea, again," he states.

"There's that," she says. "And there's this dreamy feeling. It's about frustration, about pressuring yourself to achieve big things, when maybe..." she stops for a second. "Maybe just being with your person is enough. Maybe there's no need for more," she finishes, looking out the window, troubled by the feeling of having said too much.

"I get it," he says, still looking at the road ahead.

"You do?" she asks.

"Of course. I'm not the last one to have dreams and goals, as you can imagine. But at the end of the day, when all that's over, what's left? What do you turn to?"

The rest of the journey goes on in the same way. She plays a song, explains why she likes it, what it makes her feel, what it reminds her of. Lando listens attentively, interweaving her narrative with his own anecdotes, sharing his thoughts, his fears. That's much more intimate than a restaurant, she thinks. But somehow, she doesn't mind.

Forty minutes later, a sign indicates that Ogmore is the next exit, and Lando turns onto the narrow road, which soon becomes a path. They leave the car in a parking lot, where only a few cars are parked before embarking on the sandy trail. Before them, the sun has begun to set, tinting the sky with orange, pink, and violet hues.

"Just in time," Lando says before plopping down on the sand. She sits beside him, closing her eyes. Absorbing the healing sound of the waves.

"Thank you so much for this, Lando. You have no idea how much it means to me," she says, feeling emotional.

They both lie there, side by side, without saying a word, lulled by the sound of the waves.

"Do you remember the night we met?" Lando suddenly asks, looking at the sky and the stars that the onset of night begins to reveal.

"What do you mean?" she asks, turning on her side to look at him.

"It was last year," Lando starts, as she furrows her brows, completely lost.

"I'm not sure I understand," she replies, confused. "I've seen you in pictures... But this is the first time we meet."

"Alice's birthday, in London," the driver specifies, and she dives into her thoughts, trying to rewind time. "You were wearing a black dress. Backless."

"I... I remember the birthday, and the dress," she begins. "But I don't remember you. Well, I remember Alice saying you had something come up," she continues, lost.

"I had a work function, couldn't get away. But I still stopped by, dropped off Alice's gift," he explains.

"I'm sorry, Lando," she says, embarrassed. "I don't remember seeing you."

"We crossed paths in one of the hallways of the bar. You were leaning against a wall, talking to someone... Jeff? Greg?" he says, closing his eyes as if trying to remember.

"Jeff? My boyfriend at the time?"

"Yes, that was him. You two were arguing about something, I can't remember what. The tone started to escalate, and you walked off towards the restroom."

"I remember that."

"I found myself in front of Jeff, and I told him, "You shouldn't argue with a pretty girl like that. She deserves better". He told me to fuck off, to mind my business, and left," he recalls, laughing.

"Wow, I had no idea," she says. "Him and I broke up like, four months after that anyway."

"I know. Alice told me."

"Why would she tell you that? It must not be of much interest to you."

"I'd mentioned to her that I found you beautiful. In fact, to be honest, I think I said you were the most beautiful girl I had ever seen," the driver says. "So one morning, she texted me. Said something like... "She broke up with Jeff. Time to grow a pair."

"Wow," she says, laughing in shock. "I didn’t know that."

Silence falls. Neither speaks for several seconds. He, wondering if he's said too much. Her, wondering what she should conclude from the driver's words.

"So..." she starts. "When Alice told me that she had planned a blind date..."

"It was my idea," he says, meeting her eyes. "But we couldn't say that."

"Oh, my god," she says, laughing again. "I can't believe you two."

A particularly turbulent wave crashes at their feet, making them yelp and quickly stand up. They're suddenly face to face. Wrapped in a heavy silence. One that cannot last.

"So you did, then," she finally says.

"What?"

"You grew a pair," she replies as he bursts out laughing.

"You're not angry at me, are you?" he asks, taking a step forward.

"I'm... quite surprised, I won't lie. But I'm not angry, no. I've never had a first date like this," she confesses. "I've never felt so listened to, so understood... In so little time. It started off badly, and yet you... you made me feel like I could be myself."

"You can," Lando says, taking her hand. "That's all I want."

"Will you think I'm moving too fast if I kiss you?" she suddenly asks.

"No," he says, coming closer until their breaths meet. "I won't."

[poraphia]

"I’ll Hold Your Hands."

Wilbur x anxious!reader 1303 words • 8.16.23 Request from @ax-y10! Reader has anxiety and picks at their hands and fingers. Reader is also overstimulated and nervous, but Will comforts! wilbur soot masterlist here :)

It's our first date, but you've shown me that even through anxious habits, you'll do anything to make me happy.

♡♡♡

“Hey, you ready?” A soft voice asked through the phone. Even with no effort his accent could send shivers down my spine.

“Mhm,” I hummed. “Give me a moment to come downstairs.” I took one final look in the mirror, making sure my outfit was pressed down enough to compliment my curves and gorgeous enough to let Will know there won’t be any regrets in asking me out. I slipped on the perfect set of shoes before walking out of my hotel room and toward the nearest elevator.

I was only staying in Brighton for two weeks before heading back home. Wilbur and I have been friends for a while beforehand. It wasn’t until recently that mutual feelings started to bubble up between us. It was a late night 2 AM call when Will asked me:

“Hey, (y/n)..?”

“Yes, Will?”

“Um… If you do come to Brighton anytime soon… I know a lovely place for us to eat dinner.”

I chuckled, noticing the shyness of his voice. “Are you asking me out, Mr. Gold?”

“Perhaps.”

After some packing and planning, I flew out to the United Kingdom to visit friends, travel to different locations, and most of all, go on my first date with the one and only, Wilbur Soot.

The elevator doors slid open. I walked out with the clicking of my shoes echoing down the hallway. Once I made it to the lobby, it didn’t take long to spot the dashing tall man sitting on one of the complementary couches. His legs were crossed with his glasses resting upon the bridge of his nose. I waved at him in an attempt to get his attention, and soon enough he spotted me as well.

Once he got up, I was able to see his outfit more properly. He was wearing black slacks with black dress shoes on, and he wore an orange dress shirt with the top three buttons unbuttoned. His hair was fluffier than usual, and his sleeves were folded up to show his forearms.

A big smile was planted on his face now as he outstretched his arms. I picked up my pace before nearly throwing myself in his embrace, hugging him tightly. His limbs wrapped around my waist before lifting me in the air and twirling me around.

“It feels good to finally see you!” He exclaimed through laughs. He put me down and stepped back a bit, admiring my outfit. “You look so beautiful..” He muttered.

A soft chuckle escaped my lips. “I could say the same for you.” I said, making sure I hid my hands behind my back. He raised an eyebrow before reaching for my arm and holding my hand.

“Come on, the restaurant is just a taxi cab away.” He said, to which I nodded in response. We walked side-by-side, but a bit of my confidence faltered. Did he notice my fingers? I painted them this morning so that from a glance, they looked perfectly fine. But I know that with a good look, anyone could notice the peeling skin, the bitten-off nails, and the swollen tips. It’s safe to say, I wasn’t opting to be a hand model anytime soon.

Wilbur kept my hand in his as we entered the taxi. After he directed the driver and paid him, he turned to me. “Hey, you doing alright?” He asked. He used his thumb to soothe the back of my hand, but his furrowed eyebrows and worried glance never left my face.

“Hm? Oh, I’m fine, Will, don’t worry.” I reassured.

I was very much not fine.

I didn’t have the realization that I was in an entirely new country, going on a date with a long-term best friend I’ve had on the internet, to what I presume to be a relatively fancy restaurant in the city—

until now.

Nervously, with my other hand, I started to pick off the skin of my thumb with my index finger, a little frustrated that I was unable to use both hands. Wilbur and I continued to have regular conversations as I absent-mindedly scratched off nail polish and skin.

Once we got to the restaurant, I made sure to hide my other hand in my pocket or behind my back. Anywhere out of Wilbur’s vision. The only time Wilbur let go of my hand was to check off the reservation he had for us as we followed the waiter to our table. In cushioned chairs, we sat across from each other. The white tablecloth and circular surface sat promptly in between us.

Our waiter placed the menus in front of us, and Wilbur immediately picked up the booklet to begin examining the options. I, on the other hand, quickly flipped it open and hid my hands under the table, still fiddling with swollen fingers. Once again, my heart was racing. The abundance of people in the room chattering with utensils clinking against plates, someone I consider important in my life sitting right in front of me, my shaking leg bouncing my hands up and down— I’m getting overstimulated.

“(y/n)? (y/n)!” His voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up, only to notice our waiter was back with a pen and notepad. I glanced over to Will. His head was tilted, and he only looked at me with concerned glistens in his eyes. “Do you know what you want to drink?” He asked softly. I looked over to the waiter again.

“Oh— uh, can I just get a water?” I asked, stammering over my words. The waiter nodded before walking away to retrieve our beverages.

“(y/n), you haven’t been holding up so well and you look pale. Is everything alright?” Wilbur asked. His hands were placed on the table, almost reaching at me so that he may take my hand in his. I sighed, looking down at my lap in shame.

“You promise not to judge, right?” I said.

Wilbur shook his head. “No, no, of course not, love… Tell me what’s wrong.”

With a deep inhale, I placed my hands on the table. My nail polish was chipped, and the tips of my fingers were beet red. By the sides of my nails, my skin was peeling off.

“Oh, sweetheart,” He sighed. Carefully, he picked my hands up by the palm and brought them close to his lips, gingerly kissing each finger with the softness of his lips. My face flushed at the sight, not being able to look away.

“I-it’s just,” I started. Tiny tears started to prick at my eyes. “I didn’t realize how fast this was all happening, and I guess I started to get all… Panic-y. I-I’m just really sorry. I didn’t want to ruin tonight.” I stuttered out with a trembling voice.

“Love, I promise you, you didn’t ruin anything. Everything is okay. Do you want to get out of here? If this is all too much we can go back to the hotel and just hang out there. Anything you want, (y/n). Because what matters at the end of the day, to me, is that we have a great time together.” He planted one last kiss in the palm of my hand. “That’s all I want for us.”

I couldn’t help the small sniffle as the warmth of his words wrapped me tightly in a blanket. I looked at him with lovestruck in my eyes. I wanted to do nothing but melt in his embrace, bury myself in the crook of his neck every morning, to hold hands while walking around the big city. At that moment I knew—

I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.

With the sincerest smile, I looked at him.

“Just keep holding my hands, Will.”

In turn, his dimples nearly lit up my whole world.

“Only for you.”

♡♡♡

a / n ~ eep hope you enjoyed! Ax i hope this comforts you in some sort of way I lowkey had to do my research for this one loll

[happilyhertale]

what about a tom bennett x reader in which reader takes up the job as being a housekeeper for the bennett family? reader is sweet and a bit shy but douglas immediately takes her in and reassures her about everything.

tom develops something for the kind girl, him and her getting close and a secret relationship soon develops between the two. (fluff, angst, smutttt)

please?

Finding the courage – Tom Bennett x female!reader, Part 1

Summary: You spent a sheltered childhood in Brighton. Until the time when your father died. Your mother is overwhelmed with the role of caring mother, which eventually leads you to leave home and seek happiness elsewhere. But you have not in the least anticipated what or who awaits you in your new adopted home.

Pairing: Tom Bennett x fem!reader

Warnings: In some parts smut as well as violence. There will be an extra warning for the respective parts.

Author’s note: Hey you (:

This short Tom Bennett story is based on the request that was sent to me. The story takes place before the first season of World on fire. I hope you will enjoy the story! English is my second language, please forgive me if I made any mistakes (:

Word count: 2.6k

Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8

Other stories of mine

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The sun slowly rises and envelops the sky in a fiery light pink. You see yellow fields, as far as the eye can see, pass by the window. All the rape fields melt before your eyes into huge, yellow expanses. In the distance, the yellow seems to kiss the still light pink shimmering sky.

Only now and then are the fields replaced by small sections of forest. In this early morning hour you see a few deer carelessly jumping across the fields and disappearing into the forest.

You have to smile a little at the image that presents itself to you here. It would indeed be a beautiful moment, if your overall situation did not leave you in a worried, if not anxious mood.

In the middle of the night you finally got the courage to leave your old life behind. You got on the train in Brighton and just wanted to leave.

Your thoughts take you back to your childhood. To a time when everything was still fine. To a time when your father was still alive. He died when you were nine years old and nothing was the same. Everything changed from one moment to the next. He was the one who took care of you, who made you feel safe. Your mother was also loving towards you. As best she could... It's just not in her blood to be a caring mother, but you can't judge her for that.

It wasn't easy for her either to lose your father. They loved each other in their own way and his sudden loss was difficult for her to cope with. Likewise, he was the one who had a good job and brought home money regularly. Financially you were not doing badly, your father earned a lot of money. But when he died, his income was missing, and at some point it was clear that your mother would have to look for a job again. Her savings were almost exhausted.

She found a job relatively quickly. At first she worked in a grocery shop. But after a while she lost the job. Then she worked in a small library, but she also lost that job after a few months. Then she started as a cleaner in a restaurant. But that job didn't last long either. It went well for a few years, but then suddenly she couldn't find work. She was in the awkward position of having to earn money at any cost because you were still at school and couldn't support her by finding a job yourself.

And so she started seeing men. Not to get to know them better, but to earn money. She was a very pretty woman. She is tall, which usually got her most of the attention as soon as she entered a room. She was not too thin, nor too fat. Her curves adorned her body in all the right places, and the overall outer appearance was rounded off by her long legs. Her long brown hair usually fell down her back. But almost the most beautiful thing about her were her large green eyes, which she always accentuated with a little eye shadow. You have often been told that you are the image of your mother. Her looks helped her to date men and ask for money in return. At first she went out to dinner with the men or accompanied them to important occasions. At least that's what she told you. But at some point you realised that it was stressful for her to meet these men and she started drinking regularly. The fact that these men she met showed up at your door from time to time and wanted to "see" your mother certainly contributed to her unpleasant situation. And her new lifestyle ensured that she lost her natural beauty.

It happened more and more often that you came home from school at noon and your mother was lying unconscious on your sofa. There were empty wine bottles all over the house and she would just snore quietly. Consequently, there was no lunch for you either and from that point on you started making sure that there were regular meals and that the household was run.

So you started cooking for yourself and your big brother and keeping the house clean. Your brother, who was still living with you at the time, regularly fought with the men outside your door, but he soon moved out. He couldn't take it any more and wanted to seek his fortune in London.

So it was just you and your mother. You have a rather shy personality, but you are not helpless. And so it was now your job to drive away the uninvited guests at your door. It is also thanks to your shyness that you have few friends. You need time to warm up to people, but few take the time to really get to know you. But that meant you had no one to talk to about these problems.

But still, from time to time there were people in your life with whom you could talk about your problems. Because even though you don't have many friends, you have had romantic relationships. Two men have already managed to get closer to you. They were very caring and sweet, but in the end it just wasn't what you were looking for and so you ended both of those relationships.

When you finished school, you started working in a pub, as a waitress. You worked many nights and served the men of the town. The work gave you good and not so good experiences. But what you can say is that you love to drink a beer or two, have nice conversations and dance. The beer probably helps you to dare to go out on the dance floor.

But after you started saving a little money, your mother also started talking more and more about how you could support her in her work. That if you double-dated with men, you could just make more money. Of course you refused and told her that would never happen. That was the moment when you first thought about moving out.

For a few weeks she left you alone with the subject, but then she started talking about it again and became very insistent. You had the feeling that there was someone else behind it and that she was not acting out of her own desire.

One evening your mother was unbearable. She kept trying to convince you that you could at least come to dinner with her and a certain man. When you got tired of contradicting her, you agreed.

You agreed to go out for dinner with your mother and a strange man the next evening. And she seemed somehow relieved.

Then you went to your room because you had to work that night and you had to get ready for it. But when you were in your room, you packed your things. Now you've had enough. You didn't want to stay in that place and start seeing random men for money. And just like your brother, you would seek your fortune elsewhere now. Maybe in London, like your brother.

You have taken your old backpack and packed it with the most important things. From the box under your bed you took out all your savings. With this, you can at least buy yourself something to eat for a while.

After you had packed everything you needed, you walked over to your window and carefully threw your backpack out of the window. You walked through your room one last time, taking one last look around. You sighed, now you would leave your home, but somehow you were not sad about it. Once again you looked in the mirror hanging in your room. You took a deep breath and left your room.

When you came to the living room, your mother was sitting there drinking her wine.

"Goodbye, Mum"

She smiled at you, "See you later my darling. Have a good time at work. See you tomorrow night at the latest!"

You nodded at her and smiled.

You have left the house. It's summer and as you stood outside the door, a light breeze was blowing. It smelled like rain.

You walked around the house and picked up your backpack. Slowly you walked down the street where you grew up. You took another look at the neighbours' houses and the gardens. You had to smile, countless times you had played there. Seeing the area for the last time made you a little sad... But it was the only right thing to do. At the end of the street you turned off and the pub appeared at the end. As you entered, the familiar cloud of smoke met you and loud music played.

You walked through the dancing people and are greeted by some of the guests. You walked straight ahead to the bar.

"Ey! Y/n! I'm glad you're here!"

He smiled at you until his expression became questioning, " Why do you have a backpack?" your boss asked you.

"Yea.. Frank... I need to talk to you."

He lookes at you worriedly, "Is everything alright?"

You nodded, "I will go... I'm going to leave Brighton. Tonight. Preferably now. I don't know where to go... And I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell my mother?"

He looked at you startled, "Wow.... Y/n... do you think this is the right decision?"

Again, you just nodded.

"Okay... then... come here one last time," and he opened his arms.

The older, slightly chubby man wraped you tightly in his arms. During the time you worked here, he always took good care of you and looked after you.

"Now I'll probably lose a lot of tips".

You laughed.

"But wait!" he went to his cash register and took out some money.

"Take this as your pay, for the hours you've already worked this week".

Shocked, you looked at him, he put about two hundred pounds in your hand, "No Frank! That's too much!"

"Don't argue! Please take it" he just put his hands in his pocket so you couldn't give him the money back.

You smiled and hugged him again, "Thank you..."

He hugged you tightly, "Take care of yourself, will ya?"

You nodded, "I'm not very talkative, but quick-witted!"

He nodded at you and you turned and made your way to the exit of the pub.

After a short walk you have reached the station. There were hardly any people at the station, probably because it was already late. After finding out which train was leaving next, you decided not to go to London. Because if you really wanted to go to London, you would have had to spend the whole night at the station, because the next train to London didn't leave until the next day. But you didn't feel like doing that. So you just got on the next train and let yourself be surprised where you'd arrive. It didn't matter now anyway.

And so it came to pass that you are sitting on the train watching the sunrise. You are sure that you have made the right decision, but you still feel insecure.

But you will just have the courage and get off at the next station.

You notice that the train is slowing down and you sigh. You get up from your seat, adjust your dress and slowly put on your backpack.

The train slowly pulls into the station and as it comes to a stop, you open the door. You step out onto the platform and look around. Not many, but some people are walking hurriedly around you. Either they want to board the train or they are leaving the platform.

You have been watching them for some time. But as you stand alone on the platform and the train starts to leave again, you walk along the platform.

You come to a sign and you stop. Your gaze goes up to read the sign.

It says "Manchester".

You sigh, "Okay... Manchester it is".

Slowly you walk to the end of the platform. As you leave the station, you realise that you don't even know where you are going. But the best thing to do is probably to find the city centre first.

You walk through the streets of Manchester, trying to find your way around. Many small houses decorate the streets, creating a pleasant atmosphere. And you see at least as many small shops that look very inviting. At first glance, you like the city. You spend some time strolling through the streets and looking at the shop windows.

But when you pass a bakery, you realise how hungry you actually are. You go in and buy some rolls.

You continue on your way and slowly eat one of the rolls.

It is getting close to mid-afternoon when you pass a factory.

Then you notice an elderly man standing in front of a factory. He is trying to talk to the people walking past him. Until you realise that he is handing out leaflets, or at least he is trying to. Because most people just walk past him without paying attention or turn away from him.

Somehow you can't stop watching him. Until a pretty young lady comes out of the factory and walks straight up to him. She smiles at him and they talk. You are almost startled as they walk away together. Is this his ploy? You watch them for a moment and the young lady seems to really go with him.

Slowly you walk on, around the factory and discover an industrial area. At least that's what it seems like. But as you get closer, you see that there are just a lot of buildings that seem to be empty. The sun is slowly setting and you decide to see if you can sleep in one of the buildings. You notice a small stream at the edge of the site and since there are few people around here, behind the factory, even animals dare to approach the stream.

As you walk across the grounds, you soon discover a small cottage standing in the middle of all the big empty buildings and you go towards it. You try to open the door, but it is very difficult to open. With all your strength you push against the door and it slowly opens. You look behind the door and some beams are lying there. After you have closed the door behind you, you lock it with the beams that are lying there on the floor.

As you turn into the room, you notice that there are curtains in front of the windows. At least they used to be curtains. But it makes the room almost homely. You go further into the house and in a room at the back you see a sofa. It looks reasonably clean. You decide to stay here. At least for the summer. For the winter you should find something else.

You sit down on the sofa with a sigh and realise how tired you really are.

You look out of the window and see that it is almost dark. You take a small blanket from your backpack and put it over you. The sofa is very small, but still comfortable. You try to make yourself comfortable on it. After you have turned back and forth a few times, you lie on your back and look up at the ceiling. Gradually it gets darker and darker and you can't stop thinking. Your thoughts turn to your mother, who is probably waiting for you to finally show up so that you can have dinner with her and the man. You turn on your side and look into the dark room. Tomorrow you should really get a job here so you can find a small flat or a room. That was probably your last clear thought, because the next moment the sun is slowly rising.

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Tag list

@aemonds-wifey @hoshi-miharu-blog

@targaryen-dynasty

[stellz-mybeloved]

i was enchanted to meet you..

wilbur x reader

1125 words

requested by : @vibestillaxxx

tags: @vibestillaxxx (please ask if you wanna get tagged)

you walked through the streets of brighton feeling free after a tiring day of work, work for you was an absolute nightmare especially customers who are very picky and act like a karen. some customers complained alot and you try your best to calm those customers down cause its super embarassing that a customer would complain to an employee especially in the public eye making almost every single person in the restaurant look at them making you regret this job so much.

but on the good side you made friends with the other employees too and you felt comfortable around them cause they were your only ones to be with every time at work which was the best part of your shift,

you eyed down on something then you see a coffee shop down by the corner which made you stop by and you thought about getting a drink. after a stressful day working alot and you felt relaxed, you walked down the shop and took a deep breath, the smell of coffee tantalising around your nose and as you walk in you saw lots of people. like lots. you waited patiently in line until you hear someone yelling to the waitress in front not that kind of thing that would happen to me at work too.. you thought, you just couldn't handle it, you were tired of it. "you got my order wrong! it was lacking some ingredients, this is the worst coffee shop I've ever been to-" the woman was cut off by someone which was her friend "alright we have to go now, you need to calm down! im so sorry for my friend here.. she was kinda overreacting.." her friend says nervously to the waitress and they left the store like nothing ever happened, not even a single bit of an argument.

you sighed, people these days are like this every single fucking time.. even at your job , you went forward in line and you accidentally bumped on a tall figure, he turned around and looked at you, it took you a second to look at his features, he's tall.. like approximately 6'5, he has brown curls and hazel eyes and pearly white teeth.. you've never seen a person that pretty before.. wait- isn't that kinda cliche? you thought and shook it off, "uh- im so sorry for bumping into you, uh.. did i spill your drink?" i apologise and asked him as in if I was worried that he may get mad at me but then he chuckled "it's alright, you almost did-" he was cut off and you slightly panicked "what?! oh my fucking- I'm so so sorry about that I didn't mean to-" you were cut off by him smiling with his white teeth showing "it's okay, you didn't actually spill my drink.. but you almost did anyway." he stated and smiled.

his smile literally caught you, and m holy shit he was so nice to you.. i wonder who is he.. you wondered and you went forward in line and ordered your drink. "that would be £75." the cashier spoke and you looked through your wallet and realized that the money in your wallet isn't enough, and you panicked for a bit until you heard a deep voice saying "i'll pay for it." you looked behind to know who it was  and it was the same guy you accidentally bumped into what?! he wasn't supposed to do that! it was my drink, he didn't have to do that, you didn't even expect that to happen..

"but-" you were cut off by him "no buts, i'll pay for it," he said with no hesitation, he grabbed the money on his pocket and paid the cashier, "keep the change." he told the cashier and the cashier smiled at him you grabbed your drink and walked off the counter.

You look at him and smiled "thank you, that was very nice of you." you reply and he chuckled, "you're welcome, wanna sit on that table right there and have a nice chat?" the brunette asked you and pointed to that table and you nodded as a response,

you two had a nice chat together, you found out that his name was wilbur and he streams and makes music for a living and he's also the lead singer of a band called lovejoy, wow you didn't even expect that you'd meet a famous singer from a band and a streamer too. "wow.. that's so cool! and aren't you stressed because you have a huge fanbase and you have alot to do like writing some songs, go on tour?" you asked curiously and he huffed, "well.. yeah, but right now i'm taking a break from that" he answers and smiles at you staring into your eyes as he continues to talk, you slightly tilt your head to the right , admiring his prescence.. wait a minute.. you just met that person! you can't fall for him yet! you thought and wilbur was looking at you, "hello? you awake" he interferes and you shook your head to focus. "yeah, sorry I zoned out" you smile.

you guys continued talking alot, you both shared your personal experiences in life, your jobs and many more until the chat is finally done and it was finally time to go, "well, it was nice chatting with you..?" he looks at you confused not knowing your name, "y/n." you answer and he smiled "it was nice chatting with you y/n." he redid the sentence and you giggled "it was nice chatting with you too wilbur," you respond, "oh- and here's my number. so we can communicate through dms!" you added and you gave the paper to wilbur looked at it and smiled and kept it in his pocket.

"alright, it was nice meeting you!" he commented and ran his hand through his brown curls and you smile at him "me too, and i hope we see each other again soon" you reply and blushed, you both said your goodbyes and went off to your own ways.

you went to your apartment and you grabbed the keys for your apartment door you inserted the key to the keyhole of the door and opened it, finally revealing your apartment. ah.. the feeling of home, the time that you can finally rest and do stuff, but you couldn't get wilbur off your mind and you blushed all they way here still thinking about him, were you actually in love with him? is this love at first sight that you're experiencing right now? when you first saw him, the negative thoughts and feelings vanished when you saw him, and it was enchanting, you were wonderstruck.. you were enchanted to meet him…

should i make this a series? should i make a part two?

dividers by : @cafekitsune

[idsb]

hi holly! I know this may be a lot to ask but i know you’re a local melb girlie and my best friend and I just landed in melb today! it’s our first time and we’re so excited but struggling to figure out the very best ways to spend our time here— do you have any recommendations?

not a lot to ask at all!!! happy happy happy to give some recs, I'm so sorry the weather is shit for you today haha.

my favorite thing ever ever ever in the city is walking along the Southbank / Yarra River around golden hour-y sunset time - there's lots of really nice restaurants and things but even if you don't go inside it's just beautiful views of the city and so lovely to walk around! The Royal Botanic Gardens are right nearby as well and they're lovely for the afternoon.

Queen Victoria market is definitely a must-see

I highlyyyyyy recommend the free walking tours - they meet every weekday outside the state library at 10am. Look for the people in the neon green t-shirts! you learn a ton about the history of the city, landmarks, stuff to do, etc and it's a good way to get some bearings in the CBD and getting a wonderful overview of where you want to go. I can't recommend it enough &, you can find out more info here! "Melbourne Sights" is the one you want.

Fitzroy is great for nightlife-y stuff; there's some incredible bars and restaurants and the vibe is just great for walking around! Naked For Satan is a really great bar in this area that I'd recommend, but honestly whatever you stumble into in that area will be awesome.

Melbourne Skydeck is really cool

Brighton Beach is wonderful if you can catch a nice day

Brick Lane is a great place to get brunch, and would definitely recommend getting at least some kind of Asian food while you're here because this is the best place in Australia for it. I always just wander into places in the chinatown area on Little Bourke Street, they're pretty much all amazing.

If anyone else wants to drop some recs feel free! @themothersmercy probably has a bunch of stuff I'm missing

[rocksaltau]

Rocksalt Modern Australian Restaurant Bay Street Brighton

Rocksalt on Bay Street in Brighton is a standout modern Australian restaurant in Melbourne, known for its innovative take on classic dishes. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Rocksalt offers a menu that blends contemporary flavors with the comfort of traditional Australian cuisine. The stylish yet welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for any occasion, from casual lunches to special dinners. Located in the bustling Bay Street precinct, Rocksalt provides a dining experience that is both sophisticated and relaxed, perfect for enjoying Melbourne’s vibrant food scene in the heart of Brighton.

[the-offside-rule]

Evan Ferguson (Brighton) - Fairytale of New York

Day 25 of Christmas

In the dimly lit room adorned with twinkling Christmas lights, Y/n watched as Evan's face contorted with frustration during a heated argument at their friend's festive gathering. "I just can't believe you didn't cop that she was flirting with you is all." Y/n said in the bathroom of their friends Christmas party. "She wasn't flirting, she was being friendly." Evan replied. "Yeah, because friendly girls rub your arm all the time, don't they?" Y/n scoffed. "Your friends that are girls kiss your cheek every time you make a shit joke, don't they?" Evan rolled his eyes and opened the door to leave. "I'm not doing this." He mumbled. "No, because you started it." Y/b said, using all her might to shut that door. "I went to talk to Shane and you came over getting all protective!"

"Shane liked you before we started going out." Evan replied simply. "Right? So what about Connor then? Why am I not allowed talk to him?" She asked, infuriated. "That's different! Connor is my friend, I know him and what he's like around girls." Evan said. "What? So you can't trust me then, is it?" Words were exchanged, harsh and unrestrained, echoing against the backdrop of laughter and merriment. "Look, it's not my fault your a jealous bitch, alright?" Y/n was taken aback for a second. Should she put it down to the fact that he was drinking a bit or that he was a complete and utter arsehole? "Fuck this, Evan. Find your own way home!" Y/n said as she opened the door of the bathroom and out to the hall to get her coat. "Where are you going?" Y/n turned to see her friend Dana stood with a glass of prosecco. "I'm gonna head. Ive work in the morning." Y/n smiled, pretending to be alright. "Is Evan gonna head with you?" She asked. Y/n shook her head. Her mouth opened to speak, but just then Evan stormed past, bumping into her. Dana looked between the two. "What happened?" Y/n wrapped her scarf around her neck and opened the door, the cold air offering a temporary respite. "I'll send you a voice note when I get back to my flat." She said, before bidding her fired goodbye and leaving.

As snowflakes gently fell, Y/n found solace in the quiet streets, her mind wrestling with doubts about the future of their relationship. The glittering cityscape seemed to mirror the uncertainty in her heart. Hours passed, each minute feeling like an eternity. She had just gotten home from a horrible Christmaz Eve shift at the restaurant she worked at. Horribke people, a horrible day, and to make it worse, a toddler throwing a small pot of ketchup at her. She turned on the TV, too tired tired even change her black shirt with red stains. She was on the verge of crying and that was until a soft knock on her door interrupted the lonely silence.

She turned the TV down and stood up. Maybe a neighbour was taking care of a package for her. That usually happened when she was at work. She opened the door and Evan stood there, regret etched across his face, clutching meticulously wrapped presents. His gaze met Y/n's, and the weight of the argument seemed to lift. Without words, they found themselves entwined in a heartfelt embrace, a silent agreement to put the disagreements behind them.

"I'm sorry I fucked up during our argument. I'm truly sorry for the things I said." He whispered. "I know. I'm sorry too. It really hurt me." Y/n replied. "I know, and I can't take them back. I was frustrated, and I let it get the best of me. I never meant to hurt you." Evan said as he pulled away from the hug to look down at his girlfriend. "I won't let it happen ever again." She smiled. "Come on. Get inside."

In the warm glow of Y/n's living room, the Christmas tree illuminated the space as Evan presented the carefully chosen gifts. Their conversation began tentatively, with apologies and promises, slowly rebuilding the connection that had momentarily fractured. As the night progressed, the couple found themselves wrapped in blankets, watching movies that held sentimental value.

With the strains of "Fairytale of New York" playing softly in the background, Evan extended his hand to Y/n. "Come on. This song is the reason we're even together." He was of course talking about how they met a few years back at a Christmas party and this song was playing. Y/n so desperately wanted to dance but all of her friends had someone to dance with and then Evan showed up and offered her his hand, much like right now. Y/n smiled and took his hand, before Evan started the pace. In a dance of forgiveness and reconciliation, they moved gracefully across the living room floor, letting the music weave its magic. The lyrics echoed their journey—imperfect, yet filled with the beauty of shared moments.

Outside, snow continued to fall, creating a serene winter wonderland. The world seemed to pause as Y/n and Evan rediscovered the joy of being together. As the clock struck midnight, they stood by the window, gazing at the snow-covered city, grateful for the second chance Christmas had bestowed upon their love.

And so, in the quietude of that magical Christmas Eve, Y/n and Evan found that even after the fiercest storms, love could weather the challenges and emerge stronger, just like the enchanting tale of New York that played softly in the background.

[tasteofthehimalayas]

Where can I get the best food of the day, and what makes it so special?

The client has asked that their wording be revised in a more straightforward manner, eliminating unnecessary elements. Why not try a new restaurant or celebrate a special event with a meal out? The quality of your evening may be greatly enhanced or diminished depending on the restaurant you choose, so it's important to do some research beforehand.

Please help me with my essay

The deadline is tomorrow and I'm still struggling with it. There are a number of factors to consider while deciding on the best restaurant or hotel. In today's fierce restaurant industry, it's not enough to just provide a wide selection of high-quality dishes. It's also about the high quality of the ambience and the other intangible services provided. Several factors influence a customer's final decision on a restaurant.

Both tangible and non-tangible characteristics are included in our in-depth categorisation. Several variables, including as service quality, personnel disposition, and customer convenience, may impact customer satisfaction and loyalty.  When dining in a really great restaurant, you can be assured that every item on the menu is prepared to the greatest standards. That Adelaide restaurant serves the finest Nepalese cuisine. You should take your time finding the Best Nepalese Restaurant in Adelaide.

If you want to wow your dinner guests, choose a chef that knows how to collaborate with the rest of the kitchen crew to deliver on their specific requests.

It's essential to weigh online and offline sources equally before making a call.     

The process of choosing a restaurant to dine at has been greatly simplified by the rise of smartphone applications and internet reviews. Regulars at well-known eateries gave both positive and negative feedback. Reading reviews written by prior diners might give you a good idea of what to expect while dining at a certain establishment. Customers' ultimate judgements may be heavily influenced by the reviews they read, whether online or offline.

It's all about the food: When choosing a restaurant, it's crucial to think about what's on the menu and what you would want to eat. If you have a serious need for Chinese cuisine, it's best to choose a Chinese restaurant or a restaurant that serves Chinese food. Pick a restaurant with a varied menu if you're taking the whole family out to dine. One way to narrow your restaurant search is to choose places that specialise in dishes made from ingredients found in the area. If you're looking for the best Fine Dining Restaurant in Brighton, you can always go with that.

Think about how close you are.

You should check if the restaurant's location is convenient for you. It's silly to go far for meals that cost just a few hundred rupees each. Find a restaurant that is either near by or easy to go to. When deciding on a restaurant, it's important to think about its location and surroundings. When you're famished, choose a restaurant that's in close proximity to a body of water, such a lake, river, or ocean. Spending money on lunch or dinner there can be beneficial.

[brakish-tea]

Fears as dreams I have had:

End: I dreamed my best friend faded away and died before my eyes

Desolation: I was in a burning restaurant trying to frantically find my way out

Slaughter: I was running through an oddly wide and empty version of museum adjacent London when I saw a child who looked like my secondary school bully. I went up to him and he asked in a child's voice "Are you here to kill me?"

Hunt: I spent the last two years going between Canada and London on the run from a scrawny man with a rifle. I was with my mom. We would close the blinds and live in hiding and we weren't scared because it felt normal to us. One day, my mom gave me a hunting rifle to defend myself. On that same day, my mom was having too long a conversation with one of the neighbors and had left the door open and I was silently gesturing for her to come inside and when we did go to the door it was closed and unlocked. We both knew he was inside and so we both scattered before I heard the gunshots of my rifle echo out across the street and the scrawny man's face was angry. I ran all the way down the near by highway and the air was cool. It all felt normal. He was behind me.

Flesh: My skin texture was melty and strange. Very bad.

Corruption: A recurring dream where I had a very contagious orange coloured terminal infection. I laughed and joked for people not to come near me to make it seem like I wasn't scared to die while making it so that others wouldn't get infected.

Stranger: I was not!them and I was running through a Russian community center (I have never been to Russia in my life). The walls were white plaster and bare save for a pink ballet advert flyer I couldn't read. Jonathan Sims was chasing my with a metal pipe as I was about half way into climbing into the skin of some blonde guy before he hit me. I remember being indignant that the hit meant I made the my torso the wrong height. A similar feeling to when someone jogs your hand while you're drawing.

Buried: I was a young child at the pool with my mom when I fell into a small thin rectangular pool that seemed to go down forever. I was drowning and I couldn't swim back up. I couldn't breathe. When I woke up, it turned out I had choked on my tongue while I slept and that was why I had that dream.

Web: In this dream, I was quite literally The Web. There was a plan over many years where 10 people were sent anonymous paypal money over imessage which would, 5 years later, lead to the death and coverup of a 19 girl hiking in the woods. This would eventually lead to strings based rapture into the skies. When I woke up and felt like a person with an identity again and not an overarching force/concept I was confused and felt like some kind of cosmic horror protagonist which was cool.

Eye: Honestly don't think I have ever had an Eye dream which is odd given my track record.

Spiral: I was in a really fucked up trippy hotel maze thing with blacklights and ladders and messages that didn't make sense and Ryker 8:11 was there and then I climbed out of a trap door and I was on the ground at night in the rain in Brighton.

Lonely: I snuck onto an Antarctic research team base under a fake name after faking my own death. I stood at the outskirts of our little town looking at the warmth and the lights contrasting the tundra and it struck me that this was the only place anyone even knew I existed.

Vast: A childhood memory of a storm came back to me in a dream when I talked to a friend from that world. I still remember it clearly. I must have been 7 or so and I was going with my friends to the park. We stood on the side of the hill and saw a storm. It was so low and small as if it were my storm. As if it were there to strike me. But it was so tall and impossibly vast and dark and roiling and crashing I could not understand it. When the flashback finished, the girl in my dream asked if I had been struck by lightning but I explained I would have a lichtenburg scar if I had.

Dark: I was a priest like figure in a cult that worshiped dark and stars. I remember I was lying in my bed. It was accommodation provided by the cult themselves. The bed was cool and the room was dark, but cast into a deep blue black by the faint light of the stars outside. I felt fulfilled and in tune with the world in a way I have never done so to any meaningful extent.

Extinction: I was standing in the rain and my friend said that the rain drops were too small. I looked at them. They were cloudy and feeble and polluted and tasted unnervingly sweet.

[canirove]

Ten years | Chapter 16

Author's note: And we've made it to the end! It literally feels like yesterday when I posted the first chapter, this story flew by!

I hope you enjoyed it, and as always, thank you very much for reading and for your support, it means a lot 💜

Previous chapter

Masterlist

"So... Now what?"

"What do you mean?"

"You and Declan. What are you going to do? Make it official? Take some time?" Claire asks.

"For now he is going back to London for the pre-season and to make sure Birgit is gone for real, while I stay here. There are some things I also need to deal with before we can take the next step."

"You mean talking with Benjamin."

"Yes. He's back from visiting his family, and he has probably heard the rumors."

Those rumors being Birgit having a tantrum on the main square because she caught me and Declan together (which is kind of true), and then people seeing us leaving the camp's party holding hands.

"I think he will understand. He doesn't seem like the jealous type."

"I hope so" I say with a big sigh.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━              

"Hello, Benjamin."

"Hi. Please come in."

"How was Brighton?" I ask, sitting down on his couch.

"It was great. I had a lovely time with my family and my nephews."

"Good. That's good."

"But I think I missed some things while I was away."

"Yeah... About that... I'm sorry."

"Why?"

"Well... I kind of gave you hopes that something could happen between us, didn't I?"

"You actually didn't" he says with a smile.

"Wait, what?"

"If you declined my invitations to go out and having a drink since the moment I arrived here, it was for a reason. And I realized what was that reason the day we walked into that restaurant and you saw Declan."

"I..."

"You heart still belongs to him. There was nothing I could have done there. So I just took this, us, as something fun, as a way to have a good time with a wonderful woman."

"Thank you" I say, nervously playing with my hands. "I've also enjoyed your company a lot. Even if it wasn't anything serious."

"Does that mean that we can still be friends?"

"You want us to be friends?" I say, looking him in the face for the first time since I sat down.

"Of course I do. Don't you?"

"I actually do, yes. I really enjoy talking with you and just... Hanging out, you know?"

"I just hope Declan doesn't get jealous. I don't think he likes me that much judging by the way he looked at me that night."

"I'll talk with him, don't worry."

"So... You guys are back together, then?"

"Yes... And no. It's hard to explain. But we both know that we want this to work, that life is giving us a second chance."

"Good. I wish you the best. I truly do."

"Thank you, Benjamin" I say, hugging him so I don't start crying.

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"Are you gonna tell me where are we going?" I ask Declan while we walk. He's back in town now that the pre-season is over, his first Premier League game happening next weekend.

"You'll see" he says with a wink.

"That's what you've been saying since we left my house. I need more information."

"Where are we?"

"In town."

"Yes, but where exactly?"

"Close to the river."

"And that doesn't give you any clues?" he asks, arching an eyebrow.

"Are we gonna watch the sunset somewhere at the river?"

"Close" he says, waving at some neighbors who start whispering the moment they see us. "How has it been with the gossip?"

"It's actually been... Good. They all are super happy about us getting back together. They say that it's like on a fairytale or one of those cheesy Christmas movies. That true love always wins."

"It does" he says, kissing my cheek.

"Wait" I say as he turns right. "We aren't going to the river."

"Nope."

"Declan" I say, suddenly stopping and making him trip. "Are we going... There?"

"We are" he says with a big smile.

"But we can't! If someone sees us, we will be in big trouble!"

"We are like the favorite couple in town right now" he says, putting a lock of hair behind my ear. "They won't mind if we do it. It is part of our love story."

"Our love story" I chuckle.

"Yes. One that properly started at the old house."

"If we end up in jail because of this..."

"We won't" he says, giving me a quick kiss. "Let's go, we need to be there before the sun sets."

There. The old house. The oldest building in town, a Tudor era house I've always been in love with, and that has been closed since I can remember, the government doing nothing about it. People have asked them to restore it, maybe turn it into something that can attract tourists. But the answer has always been the same. No.

Years ago tho, it was the place where, as Declan said, our love story properly started. One summer night, after a party near the river, we sneaked in to make out in the back garden. And there, was where he asked me to be his girlfriend.

"Are you sure you want to jump that? What if you injure yourself? You have a game on Sunday!"

"We don't have to jump" he says with a cheeky smile, showing me a key.

"How did you get that?"

"I'll tell you later" he says, opening the gate. "After you, my lady."

"Now what?"

"Do you have to ask?" he says, grabbing my hand and making me follow him to the back of the house.

"Declan" I gasp when we make it there. The garden isn't covered in weeds like it was years ago. Someone has taken care of that, and now it looks like a proper garden. One where someone has laid a blanket and everything you need to have a picnic. It is just... Perfect.

"Do you like it?"

"I love it" I say, still trying to process what I'm seeing. "But... Why? How?"

"Which answer do you want first? The why or the how?"

"I don't care as long as you give me an answer."

"Ok" he chuckles. "The why is very simple. Here, years ago, I asked you to be my girlfriend. And since we are kind of repeating the good things and rewriting the bad ones from our relationship, I wanted to repeat this one but with a twist. I didn't want to ask you to be my girlfriend surrounded by weeds and covered in dust like that night. I wanted to do it properly. And make it romantic. Maybe a bit cheesy too."

"It is a bit cheesy, I must admit it" I say with a little laugh.

"So what, then? Will you be my girlfriend? Again?" he asks, kissing my hand before pulling me close to him.

"Uhmmm....” I say, acting as if I’m deciding what to answer. “I think I will, yes."

"May I kiss you, then?” he says with a big smile, grabbing me by the waist. “Girlfriend.”

"You may, boyfriend. But" I say, quickly putting a finger on his lips, stopping him just when they were about to touch mine. "You still owe me an answer."

"What?" he asks, confused.

"How" I say, gesturing around with my hand. "How did you manage to do this?"

"Can't I kiss you first and tell you later?"

"Nope. We'll get distracted, and I want my answer."

"Ok" he says, letting out a big sigh. "I'm restoring the house and turning it into a hotel or bed and breakfast, I’m not sure yet."

"You are doing what? How? When?"

"Turns out that being Declan Rice, England's captain, makes people actually pay attention to you" he says with a smirk.

"So are you telling me... That you asked for permission, like people in town have tried so many times, even by doing a protest... And they said yes just because you are Declan Rice, football player?"

"Yep."

"My God."

"I know" he shrugs.

"When did this happen?"

"This summer after we came back from the trip with the kids. I realized that I loved this town more than I thought, and that I wanted to do something for it. For the people. When I was on a run I came here, remembered that you always said that you loved this house and that it was a shame it was falling down, and... Well."

"I can't believe it is actually happening."

"It is. And I want you to manage everything."

"You want what?"

"You love this place, you know how it should look like, and you know how to run a business. You are the woman for this job. If you want it, of course."

"Declan... You aren't investing on this place just because of me, are you?"

"Yes and no. I'm doing it for the town like I told you. But also for you, because I know what it means to you. And for us."

"Us?"

"This is where we made it official right? And maybe I'm thinking too ahead of time, but I see us managing it together once I've retired. My family owns some land not far from here, so we could build a house and..."

"Ok, ok. You are thinking way too ahead of time" I laugh. "You just asked me to be your girlfriend, remember? Though I like how that sounds."

"You do? Really?"

"I do. A lot. I just... Step by step."

"Step by step" he repeats, a big smile on his face. "Am I allowed to kiss you now?"

"You are, but" I say, stopping him again and making him roll his eyes.

"Now what."

"Here" I say, putting his hand on my chest. "Remember what you said years ago? That the day it stopped beating this fast when you were around..."

"I would know you had stopped loving me."

"Can you hear it? The way it is beating?"

"I can.”

"It started beating like this the day you came back. The moment I saw you up there on that stage with Dom. I thought I had felt something similar with other guys I had dated, but I was wrong. It never felt the way it feels when you are close to me. The way it feels now. And you know why?"

"Why?"

"Because it's you, Declan. It's always been you and no one else. It's always been you" I say, kissing him, my heart beating like crazy under his hand.

"Can I say that I love you even if I just asked you to be my girlfriend?" he whispers, our lips still touching.

"You can" I giggle.

"I love you. You and only you."

"I love you too, Declan."

And we kiss again, forgetting about everything and everyone. It's just us and our hearts, beating for each other, together as one. It's us. It's always been us.

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